The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is rolling out a new 30 week programme for domestic violence perpetrators designed to change their behaviour and reduce the number of victims.
The new £1 million scheme, called the Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme, will now be available across the West Midlands.
The new innitiative covers the whole of the West Midlands. It is in addition to the current 10 week scheme in place for perpetrators living in Sandwell, Walsall and Coventry.
Whilst experts work to change the behaviour of violent and controlling individuals, their partners will be offered up to 12 months practical support from Women’s Aid groups across the region. This will include safety advice, emotional help and support for children’s physical and emotional well-being.
The new programme for violent and abusive offenders will be delivered by My Time. The organisation will work with offenders to challenge their behaviour and keep partners and children safe in their own homes.
Tackling domestic violence is one of Mr Jamieson’s top priorities. He believes the new initiative will help hundreds of people rebuild their lives. The intention is to reduce the number of offenders to protect more women and their children from violence and abuse.
Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “We will not stand by and watch as violent individuals physically and emotionally abuse their partners. Once enrolled on the scheme, perpetrators will work with experts to reduce their offending and improve their families’ lives for the better. Fewer perpetrators means fewer victims.”
The ambition is to always protect partners and children.
Maureen Connolly, the Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, said: “I have been impressed by the considered approach the Police and Crime Commissioner has taken in developing the new programme. His commitment to a safe and high quality initiative is to be welcomed. Our specialist domestic violence agencies across the region, look forward to offering support and advice to victims”
Commenting, Sarah Jegou from My Time said: “Our programme ensures perpetrators are accountable for their actions and victims are protected from violence. We want to focus on ensuring offenders are held responsible for their actions.”
The new scheme was launched at Maple House in Birmingham on Thursday 20th July.
Dame Vera Baird, Northumbria PCC speaking at the launch
